DHQ Newsletter: Issue 44 17th

December, 2014

Page 1

Greater Things!

Newcastle & Central NSW Division

Now to the God who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine through the power at work in us. Ephesians 3:20 (The Voice)

For God so loved the world that He

gave his only begotten Son... John

3:16. There's something about making

a present look beautiful and even

sometimes fun too that makes the

receiver excited about opening it. Of

course it always boils down to what's

inside that counts, but getting to that

point of finding out what's inside sure

is fun!

When our kids were young I loved

watching them open their presents at

Christmas. Now I love watching my

grandkids open theirs!! Sometimes

opening them slowly, other times

diving right in and ripping off the

wrapping, so quickly, you almost miss

them opening the gift. Watching their

faces and reactions is one of those

things we love as parents. Later on we

learn what gifts they like the best by

how much it’s played with or used.

I'm sure God is the same, when He

looks down at us. He's given so much

for us through the gift of His Son,

Jesus. He knows when we appreciate

His gifts too. He sees our thankful

hearts or not so thankful hearts. He

knows when we get out His Word and

find all those things He's left for us or

if we've left them under the tree.

John 3:16 tells us that God loved us so

much that He gave us His Son.

Through His Son, Jesus Christ, we

can have soooo much. Here are some

things that we find under the tree just

waiting for us to unwrap.

Unwrap the Gift of His Love.

Have you pulled off the wrapping of

the love of Christ and accepted Him

as your Saviour? If you haven't, that's

the first step in unwrapping what God

has given you. I'm so grateful that

Christ loved us so much that He wants

to take us to Heaven to be with Him,

but I love the fact that His love

sustains us here on earth. Every day I

wake up, I find the love of Christ.

Nothing can take that gift of love

away from us either. Romans 8:39

says, ‘Nor height, nor depth, nor any

other creature, shall be able to

separate us from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord’.

Unwrap the Gift of Grace.

Another thing we can unwrap is the

gift of grace. Through Christ we have

access to that wonderful grace that's

given to us. Not a gift we deserve but

because of Christ we can have it.

Romans 5:12 says, ‘Therefore, being

justified by faith, we have peace with

God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

By whom also we have access by

faith into this grace wherein we

stand, and rejoice in hope of the

glory of God’.

Unwrap the Gift of the

Resurrection.

This is one of those gifts that it's

worth getting excited about. Without

the resurrection of Christ, we have

nothing. 1 Corinthians 15:17 says,

‘And if Christ be not raised, your

faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins’.

When we unwrap this and dwell on it

awhile and really think about how

much it does for us as Christians, it

makes you want to shout or jump up

and down with excitement!!....doesn’t

it?

Unwrap the Gift of Inheritance.

Because of Christ, we can become

heirs of God. What a gift it is to know

that we are the children of God.

1 Peter 1:4 says, ‘To an inheritance

incorruptible, and undefiled, that

does not fade, reserved in heaven for

you’.

Unwrap the Gift of His Word.

When we rip off the wrapping paper

and find the Word, it's one of those

gifts that never runs out, never wears

out, and never gets old. Don't you

love that? Every day we can find new

things in it just for us to give us

strength, sharpen us, build us up, and

even rebuke us, but it's something that

the Lord knew we needed. Colossians

3:16 says, ‘Let the word of Christ

dwell in you richly in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishing one

another in psalms and hymns and

spiritual songs, singing with grace in

your hearts to the Lord’.

Conclusion:

There's just so much that we are given

through the gift of Christ. The ones

listed are just some of the things we

gain with a life in Christ. It's like

there's this big tree with the bottom

piled high with gifts and all the

branches bulging with gifts nestled in

just for us. We have wonderful and

precious promises, strength, the Holy

Spirit, peace, joy, and on and on just

because of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Because of Christ our lives can

become so full, so rich, so

meaningful.

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John 10:10...‘I am come that they

might have life, and that they might

have it more abundantly’.

Most of us don't leave our gifts

unwrapped under the tree. We want to

see what's inside. Maybe we should

spend more time in the Word and in

prayer finding those things that the

Lord would have for us. Perhaps we

should spend more time saying,

"thank you" for our gifts and

appreciate them more. I know I need

to work on this. I don't want to miss

out on anything or forget to say

"thank you".

God bless you each.

Jeff Winterburn

Inside this issue:

SALVOS RURAL APPEAL

I am happy to share with you a new

initiative from THQ which will

hopefully have a significant impact on

struggling rural communities in our

division. It is called the Salvos Rural

Appeal and it is planned for launch in

early next year.

We all know that rural communities

throughout Australia are doing it

tough as they deal with financial,

emotional and mental strain brought

on by drought and other natural

disasters. People in crisis in rural

areas deserve to know that they are

not alone, that we are aware of their

situation and are there for them for as

long as needed.

The Salvos Rural Appeal will enable

people in the bush to commit to long-

term support of their community

through the Army’s work. It is

sustainable through varying market

conditions and individual

circumstances - those who are doing

well know they are supporting others

who are struggling, who in turn can

plan to donate when conditions

improve.

Supporters will be able to donate

online, at market points of sale, and

by phone and mail. Donors will also

be able to choose whether their

donation remains in their region or

goes to wherever it is needed most.

Importantly, the Salvos Rural Appeal

will provide information and contact

details for members of the rural

community who need assistance. It

will enable people living and working

in country areas to invest in long-term

practical, emotional and social

support through The Salvation

Army’s rural services.

The appeal demonstrates that these

communities have not been forgotten,

and aims to build up The Salvation

Army’s rural support services to

ensure it will be with them for the

long haul.

An update will be provided in January

for your ongoing information.

- Amber Dale (Div. Communications

& PR Secretary)

SYDNEY SIEGE Colleagues,

The Sydney siege has been very much

the focus of our attention, our

thoughts, our prayers and our interest

over the last 24 hours

We received the tragic news this

morning that Katrina

Dawson, the

daughter of Sandy

Dawson, who had

been the Chairman

of the Sydney East

Red Shield Appeal

Committee for the past 20 years, was

tragically killed as part of the siege

last night.

I have been in touch with Sandy today

to assure him of our thoughts and

prayers. Sandy Dawson Jr, is still the

zone chairman for the Red Shield

Appeal at Woollahra.

I also am grateful to Captain Chris

Radburn, Chaplain to the NSW

Ambulance and NSW Fire and

Rescue Authorities, who was called in

by the Police to notify the victim's

families and offer support to the

victims.

Our hearts go out to all those affected

and we certainly say well done to all

those involved in the response to the

siege.

God be with you,

James Condon

HANNAM VALE CORPS

Hannam Vale Corps are set up and

ready to distribute Christmas Toys

and support to families in their

Community. All areas in our Division

are greatly supported by generous

Australians who reach out at this

special time of the year. The Salvation

Army is privileged to be the vehicle

entrusted to distribute these gifts to

those in need.

- Christine Martin DMARD - Social

See photos next page

Message 1

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News 2

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More News 3

_________________________

Personnel 4

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Prayer Page 5

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Christmas Events 6

Page 3

Hannam Vale Hall packed with

Christmas gifts!

Hannam Vale Hall set up with

refreshments, tables and chairs for

people to sit around and chat after

they receive their Christmas

parcels.

RETIREMENT MAJOR ALICE FEAN

When you next think of Alice, no

longer remember her sitting at her

desk across from Paula at DHQ, or

being busily involved in various PR

activities.

Instead, think of her doing a whole lot

of… nothing? Well, surely it won’t be

nothing, but rather lots of quality time

spent with family and enjoying the

things she hasn’t had time to do

during her 21 years as a committed

Officer.

Major Alice Fean was farewelled into

retirement last week at a service

held at Newcastle Worship and

Community Centre, with people

coming from near and far for her send

off. It was a great retirement service,

and thanks must be given to Majors

Pam and Colin Robinson who spent

many hours preparing the service to

ensure Alice had a wonderful

celebration.

Congratulations Alice on your

retirement – we are already missing

you!

- Amber Dale (Div. Communications

and PR Secretary)

KROSSWERDZ

If you haven’t heard the word on the

street, ‘KROSSWERDZ’ is a

growing, international gospel hip-hop

movement that started in Sydney back

in 2006. It’s a gathering for those who

love hip-hop culture (DJing,

Emceeing, Breakdancing and

Graffiti).

It is made up of people from all

different churches and denominations,

welcoming those who may not feel

comfortable walking into a typical

Sunday service. Hip-hop is used as a

medium to worship God, connect with

community and spread a message of

hope and creativity.

The Oasis Youth Centre in Wyong

recently hosted the final Central Coast

KROSSWERDZ event for 2014.

Oasis staff members manned the

BBQ, ran a canteen and connected

with local young people.

Approximately 120 people came out

to the Centre to jam it out for an

amazing night (even despite the 42

degree heat of the day!).

Christmas Under the Stars – You’re invited!

On Sunday 21 December, the Central

Coast will be jingling to the jolly tune

of Christmas Carols at the annual

Mingara Christmas Under The Stars

event, which is proudly supporting

The Salvation Army.

You’re invited to this family fun and

star studded event with performances

from Shannon Noll, Dora The

Explorer, Nathan Foley, Gina Jeffreys'

Christmas Stars, Nikki Webster, TV

personality Erica Davis, and of

course, Santa!

Mingara has been supporting The

Salvation Army for many years and in

2014, the money raised from ticket

sales will be used to purchase a

second driver training car for Oasis

Youth Centre Wyong. The car is

greatly needed to meet the demand in

the community and we are really

appreciative of the generous support

that Mingara continues to give.

Come along and get involved in the

Christmas spirit! Sunday 21

December, Mingara Regional Athletic

Centre (Tumbi Umbi Drive) gates

open from 4:30pm with entertainment

from 5:30pm and fireworks from

9pm. Plus a visit from Santa!

Tickets can be purchased on the night

(or at any Greater Building Society

Branch on the Central Coast or

Mingara Recreation Club) $5 per

entry, children under 12 years are

free.

See you there! - Amber Dale

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OASIS HUNTER

The team at Oasis Hunter had

opportunity last week to join in a

Team development day facilitated by

"Blue Bus Coaching". BBC

contributed their professional skills

and time in developing a 'state of play'

for Oasis Hunter as they embark on a

new journey of Mission & Programs

in 2015.

A previous working relationship

between The Manager, Peter Martin

and Heath Thacker, (Coach/Principal)

coupled with an appreciation for what

The Salvation Army had done for his

mother and family many years ago,

provided this highly professional

opportunity to the Oasis Team.

Blue Bus Coaching (Locomotive) has

seen wonderful & highly skilled

professionals bonded together through

the roll out of the Blue Bus concept to

many of Australia’s top organisations.

Their Red/Green/Blue Bus Playshops

are a unique product that is providing

the frame work to rapidly transform

many organisations toward

excellence, ensuring they become

distinct & not extinct in this rapidly

changing environment. It was a very

fun packed afternoon, highly

interactive, delivering a great

common goal.

- Report – Chris Martin DMARD -

Social

RURAL CHAPLAINS

As of 8th January, 2015, Captains

Jeffrey and Sharilyn Bush will be

taking on the responsibility of serving

as the Rural Chaplains for the Central

West NSW area. These officers will

come to this role after service in

Atherton and Gladstone in

Queensland.

It is with a degree of sadness that we

relinquish this role for health reasons.

Trevor will retire early in the new

year and Maree has been appointed to

a new role as the Rural Ministries

Consultant for The Salvation Army.

A Farewell will be held during a

service at Dubbo Corps on Sunday

4th

January 2015 at 10.30am,

followed by a Fellowship Lunch. All

welcome.

We have counted it a great privilege

and blessing to meet many farmers,

contractors and business folk and their

families over the past three years and

this role has been one of the

highlights of our 35 years in

Officership. We have met many

inspirational people. Thank you to

everyone who has helped us in our

ministry - your kindness and

generosity will never be forgotten.

Thank you for supporting the new

chaplains. God bless you.

- Majors Trevor and Maree Strong

CELEBRATIONThe Australia

Eastern Territory

will welcome our

first male officer

Centenarian on

Tuesday 23rd

December 2014 -

Brigadier Jim Smith (a soldier of

Taree Corps) will be 100 years young!

We wish Brigadier Jim our best

wishes for a very HAPPY

BIRTHDAY!! 100 years of memories

and 100 years of life.... You are very

special and surely honour is due to

you as you celebrate your special day.

We praise God for your life. God

bless you and congratulations!

WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Leah Ross who

leaves our Australian shores with her

family bound for the United States of

America to marry her fiancé,

Lieutenant Samuel Fowler (Torrance

Corps Southern California Division)

on Saturday, 27 December 2014, at

The Salvation Army College for

Officer Training (USA Western

Territory). Leah is the daughter of

Majors Graeme (Legal Department

THQ) and Karan (Territorial

Mission & Resource Team – Corps)

Ross, while Samuel is also the son of

officers in the USA.

Please accept our best wishes and

prayers for you both as you seal your

vows to each other before God, family

and friends. May God bless you both

abundantly.

Leah will enter the School for Officer

Training in August 2015. Please pray

for Graeme, Karan and their family

as they share this special day with

their daughter and new son, and as

they return to Australia while Leah

remains in the USA.

BABY NEWS Majors Gary and Susanne

(Campbelltown Corps) Cox’s son

David (Aged Care Plus Weeroona

Village) & his wife Zoe have

welcomed their third son, Judson

Jacob Cox on Tuesday 9th December

2014. Judson is a brother to Memphis

& Lawson. All are well for which we

praise God. We congratulate David,

Zoe, Gary and Susanne. Memphis

and Lawson are thrilled to have a

baby brother.

RETIREMENT SERVICE

Major Marie Gittins (Chaplaincy

Employment Plus) was presented with

her Retirement Certificate, by Major

Marie-Louise Craig during the 11am

morning meeting at The Salvation

Army Wynnum Corps last Sunday,

14th December 2014.

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DATES TO REMEMBER

December 19

th NSW School Term 4 ends

25th Christmas Day

26th Boxing Day

January 1

st New Year’s Day

8th Appointment Changes

19th Majors Gavin & Wendy

Watts back from overseas

furlough.

26th Australia Day Holiday

27th NSW Schools Resume

GREETINGS FROM THE WATTS FAMILY

Gavin, Wendy, Josh and Sarah Watts pictured on their sleds in front of the

Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Pictured in front of the Leaning

Tower of Pisa in Italy.

They are all well and having a

wonderful time. Thank you for your

prayers.

OFFICER’S KIDS

BIRTHDAYS December

Ayden Pethybridge 1st (5)

Andrew Brooks 7th

(10)

Tahlia Lauder 9th

(14)

Ilisha Stephens 18th

(5)

January Abi Gittins 21

st (12)

Amy Prigg 22nd

(7)

21-27 December 2014

“Every year we celebrate the holy

season of Advent, O God. Every year

we pray those beautiful prayers of

longing and waiting and sing those

lovely songs of hope and promise.”

Prayer Points:

- Wollongong First Floor Program –

Envoy Jayne Wilson and Team

- Women’s Ministries, THQ –

Commissioner Jan Condon, Lt.

Colonel Simone Robertson, Major

Karan Ross and Team

- Woodport Retirement Village – Val

Hopewell, Cynthia Leidtke-Aidar and

Team

- Wynnum Corps – Majors Gary and

Marie-Louise Craig

- Wynnum/Capalaba Community

Welfare Centre – Rhona Muller and

Team

- Yeppoon Mission – Daniel and

Yvette Walters.

Psalm 33:8-9 “All the earth should

worship the Lord; the

whole world should fear

him. He spoke, and it

happened. He

commanded, and it

appeared.”

Page 6

CHRISTMAS EVENTS THAT WE KNOW OF:

Bonnells Bay Corps

Christmas Service - 9.30am Christmas Day.

Mingara's Christmas Under the Stars

Sunday 21/12/14 - Mingara Regional Athletics Centre. Tickets $5, children 12 years and under free (complimentary ticket required). Pre-purchase your tickets at any Central Coast Greater Building Society Branch or at Mingara’s Welcome Desk.

Ticket booths will be open from 4pm on the day. Gates open from 4.30pm with entertainment from 5.30pm and fireworks from 9pm.

Long Jetty Corps

Christmas Eve Carols Service - Wednesday 24/12/14, 6pm-7.15pm, 1-7 McLachlan Ave, Long Jetty

Christmas Breakfast - Thursday 25/12/14, 8.30am-11am (Please RSVP for the Breakfast 43331813 so we can cater appropriately).

Gosford Corps

Christmas Service

– 9.30am Christmas Day. Newcastle Corps Community Carols On Saturday, 20th December you are invited to join us and Hamilton Baptist Church as we present a Carols Night for the community in Gregson Park, Hamilton @ 6:30pm. BYO Chair, Rug and Picnic. Christmas Day Service - 9.00am. Northlakes Carols Sunday 21st December @ Macquarie College, Lake Road, Wallsend from 5pm. Westlakes Carols Wed. 24th December. Contact corps’ direct for further details.

NEXT NEWSLETTER:

4th

February 2015

Praying Christ’s gift of hope will fill this

season and your year with joy!

With love from the 2014 DHQ Team –

Gavin, Wendy, Jeff, Sue, Colin, Pam, Alice, Lucas, Angela, Amanda, Amber,

Chris, Christine, Elyse, Emily, Emma, Gina, Graeme, Jasmine,

Kirsten, Lyn, Paula, Ross & Susan.

A special Farewell to Officers and Children leaving the Division. Thank you all for your ministry and may God richly bless you during 2015!